Page 42 of Winds of Darkness
“I wish I could say yes, but it would not be a truthful answer,” she replied, still not looking at him.
“Then tell me of them,” Briar said, settling back into the chair and resting his temple on his fist. His hope was she would relax more if he did the same. “Tell me why you wish to increase your weapon stores.”
Her movements had stilled once more, and she finally lifted hergaze to his. “If you are asking this to simply placate me, I do not wish to discuss this with you.”
“I would never disrespect you in such a way, Ashtine.”
Her stare swept over him, and she subtly nodded as if in agreement to something unheard. “The winds are restless. More so than I have ever experienced.”
“The sea doesn’t speak to me, so I need you to expand on that,” he said, using these quiet, private moments to study her. The way she nodded to herself as she processed his words. The way she continued to fidget with the books and papers while they conversed. How she would steal glances at him, a worry in her eyes that he didn’t understand.
“The winds carry secrets of the past and present,” she said, her lilt softening. “They speak of things long past and paths of the future. They speak nonsense and truth, riddles and facts.”
“That is a heavy burden to bear,” Briar said gently.
“My mother did it with grace. Or so I have been told. I often wish she were here to give advice because …”
He waited, but when she didn’t continue for a full minute, he pressed, “Because what, Ashtine?”
Her eyes lifted to his again at the use of her name, and for the life of him, he couldn’t understand the reaction. Unless she was speaking literally and thatno oneother than Talwyn used her given name.
“I would ask if they spoke the same way before the Great War began,” she whispered. “The winds speak of bloodshed. They speak of a prince falling. They speak of beginnings and endings and the balance tipping. And I am expected to understand it, and I cannot. Despite my days spent in this room among texts, I do not understand.”
“It is often said the winds know everything and nothing,” Briar said. “How can you be expected to understand everything they whisper to you?”
“Is that not my role as their princess?”
“Your role is to make the best decisions for the betterment ofyour people. Not to decipher ramblings that may mean nothing,” he countered.
She shook her head in disagreement, but she said nothing.
“Does your Inner Court expect you to know? Does Ermir? Renly? Sion?” Briar demanded. He tried to keep his tone neutral, but if they were placing such expectations on her shoulders … It made him irrationally angry.
“No,” she said. “Quite the opposite actually.”
“You stated they feel these latest concerns are unfounded.”
“I did.”
“And you disagree.”
“I do not know, and I find that aggravating,” she answered.
“And you are down here seeking answers?” Briar asked.
“I spend much time here, but yes. I am seeking answers.”
“Then I offer my assistance.”
She went preternaturally still in the way only the Fae could. “Why?”
“Because if you believe we have reason to be concerned, then I owe it to you, my own Court, and this realm to look into them,” Briar answered, standing and moving to sit beside Ashtine on the sofa. He reached for a book on the table as he said, “Show me where to start.”
Chapter 4
Ashtine
Blood will be shed.